2025 Annual Partner Meeting

Certified Tourism Ambassador of the Year:

This category recognizes all employees, residents, and volunteers who impact local tourism and elevate the Brighton Howell Area as a visitor destination. Explore Brighton Howell Area (EBHA) Certified Tourism Ambassador Program (CTA) launched in December 2022 and has provided opportunities nearly monthly for people (and animals) to get certified and involved. The nominated individual must have completed the CTA program and be a current ambassador. This person possesses an in-depth knowledge of the Brighton Howell Area and its attractions, exemplifies excellence in hospitality and customer service, and promotes the CTA ideal of ensuring every visitor has a positive and memorable experience.

The evaluation and criteria should include as many of the following as possible:

• How did this nominee help create a positive experience for a visitor in the Brighton Howell Area?
• How did this nominee go beyond customer service expectations?
• How did this person share their knowledge of our area to ensure a memorable experience?
• Provide any comments, letters, photos, or stories from individuals highlighting how this person contributed to the tourism experience.

CTA Organization of the Year:

This award recognizes commitment to exemplary service in the Hospitality and Tourism community in 2024 through the Certified Tourism Ambassador Program. Organizations in this category have been role models for service and involvement in the area and certified at least one of their staff as a Certified Tourism Ambassador. The evaluation and criteria should include the following:

• Provide an overview of how the organization/service relates to the area’s tourism product.
• Describe a rationale for recognizing the organization as an outstanding CTA organization. 
• Provide an overview of the positive economic or community impact of this business. 
• Describe the service strategies used to differentiate this business. 

Changemaker of the Year:

The Changemaker of the Year is an innovative, impactful individual or business that effects positive change in the hospitality and tourism community of the Brighton Howell Area.

• How did this nominee innovate?
• How did this nominee impact the hospitality and tourism community?
• In what ways did this nominee effect positive change?
• How did this nominee go beyond customer service expectations?
• Provide any letters, comments, photos, or reviews supporting the nomination.

Hospitality with Heart:

This award recognizes a business performing above and beyond in the spirit of serving and providing outstanding hospitality while promoting Livingston County.  

• What makes this business a star?
• How did the business go above and beyond in providing outstanding hospitality?
• Provide any letters, comments, photos, or reviews complimenting the business and service provided.

Kelly Wolgamott,
Interm Vice President, Pure Michigan

Kelly Wolgamott is the Director of Marketing for Travel Michigan at the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, where she leads the travel marketing efforts for the award-winning Pure Michigan campaign. Kelly oversees the management of the Pure Michigan brand both nationally and internationally, including consumer insights, digital marketing, creative development, agency management, and marketing effectiveness, working in close collaboration with tourism industry stakeholders throughout Michigan.

She previously served in marketing and public relations roles with General Motors and, advertising agency, Leo Burnett Worldwide.